The History of Abortion Law in the United States

Authors

Carrie N. Baker, Smith CollegeFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2022

Publication Title

Our Bodies, Ourselves Today

Abstract

The right to abortion has been both supported and contested throughout history. When banned, abortions still occur, although legal and practical barriers make it more difficult, and less safe, for those seeking abortions.

This article provides an overview of the history of abortion law in the United States, including key state and federal laws and Supreme Court rulings.

Keywords

ABORTION, ABORTION (SELF-MANAGED), ABORTION ACCESS, ABORTION BAN, ABORTION PILLS, ABORTION RESTRICTIONS, ACTIVISM CONTRACEPTION, ABORTION HISTORY

Comments

By Carrie N. Baker, based on previous versions by Marlene Gerber Fried, Laura Kaplan and Susan Yanow, and edited by Christine Cupaiuolo.

Revised August 2022

Recommended Citation

Baker, Carrie N., "The History of Abortion Law in the United States" (2022). Study of Women, Gender, & Sexuality: Faculty Publications, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/swg_facpubs/43